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String recommendations for 36" scale - SS

etherealme

etherealme

Gold Supporting Member
Jun 26, 2007
1,115
456
Louisiana
fontansmythe.bandcamp.com
#1
I searched and didn't see a topic or comment regarding this so, I decided a thread was warranted.
This would apply to long scale playing bases similar to Carl Thompson basses or other like minded custom bases by luthiers in this vein.
Looking for a long scale set of round wound steel strings to go on a 36" scale.

I am surprised Rotosound doesn't offer a long scale round wound string set. I ordered the long scale set they had and it would not go to the 39 1/4 length to clear the nut for a 36" scale bass. Does anyone have a recommendation for a somewhat light scale gauge set of round wound steel strings that would be sonically similar to Rotosound 66 swing bass sets?
 
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#2
etherealme said:
I ordered the long scale set they had and it would not go to the 39 1/4 length to clear the but for a 36" scale bass. Does anyone have a recommendation for a somewhat light scale gauge set of round wound steel strings that would be sonically similar to Rotosound 66 swing bass sets?
Click to expand...

So are you saying you need a set of strings with winding length of minimum 39.5" from ball end to the taper/silk? Is it a 4-string?
 
#4
etherealme said:
It has to be 39.25" minimum from the ball end to nut. 6 string.
Click to expand...

You might want to check into Stringjoy. You were just asking about the GHS Boomers in another thread. According to what I've read, the Stringjoy nickel-plated steel roundwound is very similar in construction and tonal character to the Boomers. The difference is the Stringjoy "extra long scale" is 39.25" in winding length and they're fully customizable for gauges.
 
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#5
michael_t said:
You might want to check into Stringjoy. You were just asking about the GHS Boomers in another thread. According to what I've read, the Stringjoy nickel-plated steel roundwound is very similar in construction and tonal character to the Boomers. The difference is the Stringjoy "extra long scale" is 39.25" in winding length and they're fully customizable for gauges.
Click to expand...
I didn't realize the GHS boomers were nickel plated so I am looking for another option similar in tone to Rotosounds with the same measurement requirements. GHS only go at max to 38" on the 3 long scale sets they offer anyway.
 
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#12
etherealme said:
I searched and didn't see a topic or comment regarding this so, I decided a thread was warranted.
This would apply to long scale playing bases similar to Carl Thompson basses or other like minded custom bases by luthiers in this vein.
Looking for a long scale set of round wound steel strings to go on a 36" scale.

I am surprised Rotosound doesn't offer a long scale round wound string set. I ordered the long scale set they had and it would not go to the 39 1/4 length to clear the nut for a 36" scale bass. Does anyone have a recommendation for a somewhat light scale gauge set of round wound steel strings that would be sonically similar to Rotosound 66 swing bass sets?
Click to expand...

I also have a 36 inch scale 6 string and I am lucky that I can use DR long scale because I only need 38 to clear I think the Fat Beams may be what I'd consider closest to Roto 66 but maybe not. You may also like TI Super Alloy. They are light gauge and supple and not as bright as DR.

This is the guide [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and Jason is the man. He has scale lengths that are not advertised by the manufacturers. Ask him, you'll get better answers than here, honestly. Roto does make an extra long scale at 39 but ask Jason, you may be surprised
 
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#14
That 39 1/4" ball-end to taper for a 36" instrument is quite a requirement, are you sure about that? That's +3" from the scale length, what kind of hardware at the bridge/nut do you have?
Definitely look into multiscale string sets as pointed by @Lowend65 and @Katoosie, although the thin strings will probably not fit, and if they do, feel slightly tighter than they should with the increased tension due to the 36" thing (but you'll have that with standard "straight frets" string sets anyway).
Also, D'addario super long should fit up to 36 1/2" scale length basses with usual hardware (38" from ball-end to taper AFAIK).
 
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#18
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